Intersections: History and Memory in Grassy Butte, N.D.

Fargo, ND—“Intersections: History and Memory in Grassy Butte, N.D.,” a short film that documents the impact of the Great Depression on a small western North Dakota town, comes to North Dakota State University for a one-night-only showing 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, October 1, in the Prairie Rose Room in the Memorial Union (NDSU).

“Intersections,” which brings out the role of Roosevelt’s New Deal photography project, explores the point at which the national government collided with small-town life at the height of devastation, desperation and depression in the 1930s. The film is part of an ongoing NDSU Public History initiative to research and explore history and memory in the region. It underscores the importance of the local landscape and the personal memories based on an interview with a lifelong resident of the area, Lois Fleck.

Keeping with the spirit of the film, “Intersections” also invites viewers to consider different ways in which to approach the study and survey of history. The documentary is set and filmed in western North Dakota and includes photographs currently held by the Library of Congress and a number of other archival pieces from collections in Grassy Butte.

The screening of the 15-minute film is open to the public. Following the film, producer Stacy Reikowsky and her film adviser, Dr. Angela Smith, professor of history at NDSU, will present a Q&A session. Joining them as part of a panel discussion of history and memory will be Dr. Suzzanne Kelley, expert on historical preservation, and Troy Reisenauer, graduate student and former resident of the area featured in the film.